Camping near Northumberland, PA puts you at the fork of the Susquehanna River, where the West Branch and North Branch meet in central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley. Most campers searching this area have Knoebels on the brain, and for good reason: the free-admission amusement park in Elysburg anchors the whole region, with state parks, river access, and the Bloomsburg Fair filling out the calendar. Your options run from Knoebels’ own water-and-electric campground to full-hookup parks within an easy drive of the rides.
Splash Magic Campground by RJourney sits about 20 minutes from Knoebels at 213 Aspen Lane in Northumberland, and it solves the classic camping-trip math: full-hookup RV sites with 30 and 50 amp service, tent sites, cabins, and an on-site water park that keeps the kids busy on the days you skip the amusement park. Nightly rates start at $37.80. This guide covers the whole camping picture around Northumberland: hookups, tents, cabins, what the state parks offer, and how to plan a Knoebels-centered trip without burning a day on logistics.
Your Camping Options Near Knoebels and Northumberland
The camping picture here splits into 3 lanes: the amusement park’s own campground, full-service private parks, and state park sites within day-trip range.
Camping at Knoebels Itself
Knoebels runs its own campground beside the rides in Elysburg, with water and electric sites and limited sewer. It’s the obvious pick if the amusement park is the entire trip, and it keeps you steps from the Phoenix and the Twister. Full hookups are scarce there, so plan your tanks accordingly and expect the campground to follow the park’s spring-through-October calendar.
Full-Hookup Camping 20 Minutes Away
Splash Magic Campground in Northumberland covers what Knoebels’ campground can’t: full-hookup pull-through and back-in sites with 30 and 50 amp service, tent sites, and a cabin lineup that runs from couples units to the multi-bedroom Tubby Family Lodge. Every site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, and the on-site water park, pools, and pavilion calendar fill the non-Knoebels days. Fair warning: sites sit closer together than at a wilderness campground. That’s the trade for sleeping next to a water park, and if elbow room matters, ask for an outer-loop site when you book.
State Park Camping Within an Hour
Ricketts Glen State Park, about an hour north, has electric and non-electric campsites near the Falls Trail and its 22 named waterfalls. Shikellamy State Park, about 10 minutes from Northumberland, is the one that surprises people: it’s day-use only, a marina and a bluff overlook with no campground attached. Camp in town, drive to the view.
Camping Near Danville and the River Towns
Searches for camping near Danville, PA usually mean this same stretch of river. Danville sits a short drive east of Northumberland along the Susquehanna’s North Branch, home to Geisinger Medical Center and a walkable downtown. A base in Northumberland keeps you within easy reach of Danville, Knoebels in Elysburg, and the river accesses in between. For travelers on longer assignments in the Danville area, Splash Magic’s winter long-term rate runs $600 a month from September through April; summer monthly availability runs through the office at (412) 730-2170. Day to day, the campground covers laundry, park-wide WiFi, and propane at the camp store, plus a stocked pond where the kids can fish (staff tip: the fish love hot dogs) while you do absolutely nothing. Mateo’s Pizza across the road gives campground guests 10% off, which settles most dinner debates.
Splash Magic Campground by RJourney
Splash Magic Campground by RJourney sits at 213 Aspen Lane in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, along the Susquehanna River where the West Branch and North Branch converge. The property is built around a full water park: water slides, splash pads, a kids’ pool, and a full-size swimming pool. Beyond the water, the activity list runs deep with bumper boats and paddle boats on the pond, a jumping pillow, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, pedal carts, golf cart rentals, an arcade, and an entertainment pavilion that runs a packed summer calendar of crafts, foam parties, pool volleyball, and outdoor movies. Stay options cover full-hookup RV sites, tent sites, and a cabin and lodge inventory from cozy two-person units to multi-bedroom villas like the Tubby Family Lodge, with the Dolphin Cove cabins fronting the water. It is a base camp where a good share of the trip’s activities are already on the grounds.
Sites & Hookups
Splash Magic offers full-hookup RV sites in both pull-through and back-in configurations, with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service to handle rigs of any size. Tent sites are available for guests who prefer to keep it simple, and cabins range from couple-sized units to family lodges. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, WiFi covers the property, and propane is available on-site. The campground entrance on Aspen Lane is a straight shot off the main road with no hairpin turns or tight corners. Sites sit closer together than at a wilderness campground; that is the tradeoff for having the water park, pools, and activities right outside your door. If you want elbow room, request a site on the outer loops when you book.
What's On-Site
The water park is the whole point. Water slides, splash pads, a kids’ pool, and a full-size swimming pool give families a reason to spend entire days without leaving the campground. The water fun does not stop at the pool deck: bumper boats and paddle boats run on the pond, a jumping pillow draws a crowd of kids, and pond fishing is a hit with the little ones (a staff tip: the fish love hot dogs). When everyone needs a break from the water, there is glow-in-the-dark mini golf for evening play, pedal carts and rentable golf carts, and an arcade for rainy days. The entertainment pavilion runs a full summer calendar: ceramics, tie-dye, pool volleyball, foam parties, adult bingo, and outdoor movie nights. The on-site camp store stocks essentials, snacks, and propane, and restrooms, showers, and laundry are on-property.
What Guests Say
4.1 stars across 1,215 Google reviews. The water and the activities win the praise. Families single out the water park, pool area, and the sheer volume of things for kids to do: water slides, bumper boats, the jumping pillow, glow golf, and pedal carts keep children busy for days. Repeat visits are the strongest theme of all; families come back year after year, often booking the next trip before they leave. The campground’s spot near Knoebels and the Susquehanna also comes up, with guests using it as a base for amusement-park days and river outings. It is the kind of place where the activity list is long enough that nobody gets bored.
More Attractions and Day Trips Near Northumberland, PA
Once camp is set, these are the day trips that fill a Northumberland itinerary. Hours and pricing change, so call ahead before you go.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
One of the country’s largest free-admission amusement parks: free to enter and park, pay only for the rides. It runs two world-class wooden coasters (the Phoenix and the Twister), a large pool complex, and a tree-shaded layout, open spring through October. It is the area’s signature day trip and an easy 20-minute drive from the campground. Visit website.
Shikellamy State Park
Two sections sit across the river from Northumberland: a marina on the West Branch for boat and paddle access, and a bluff overlook that delivers one of the best views in central Pennsylvania, looking down on the river’s fork. A short drive from Splash Magic and an easy morning add-on. Visit website.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Home to the Falls Trail, where 22 named waterfalls cascade through a hemlock gorge, one of the most scenic hikes in Pennsylvania and a cool, shaded payoff on a hot day. Plan a half-day minimum; the loop is moderate to strenuous with stone steps and creek crossings. Visit website.
More to Explore Beyond the Campground
The Susquehanna River runs right past the campground, with direct fishing access from the property and a stocked on-site pond for the kids. Across the river, Shikellamy State Park’s marina provides boat and paddle access for fishing and flatwater paddling, and the bluff overlook above it offers one of the best views in central Pennsylvania. It is a short drive from Splash Magic and an easy morning add-on when you want open water beyond the pools.
Knoebels Amusement Resort, 20 minutes east, is the marquee land attraction: free-admission rides, classic wooden coasters, and a pool complex, open spring through October. Ricketts Glen State Park, about an hour north, delivers the area’s best hike, 22 named waterfalls along the Falls Trail through a shaded gorge. Closer in, Northumberland and nearby Sunbury have walkable historic districts, local restaurants, and riverfront parks for an easy afternoon.
The Bloomsburg Fair, the largest in Pennsylvania, runs each fall about 25 minutes northeast with concerts, demolition derbies, agricultural exhibits, and carnival rides; check the official fair calendar for current dates. Williamsport, about 45 minutes north, hosts the Little League World Series each August and has the World of Little League museum year-round. Splash Magic makes a solid base camp, with the on-site water park filling the downtime between trips.
When to Camp Near Northumberland
Summer (June through August)
Peak season for everything. The on-site water park is open, Knoebels runs full hours, the river is warm for boating, and the campground activity calendar is packed. Summer weekends and holiday weeks book fastest, so reserve 2 to 4 weeks ahead. It is the best window if the water park and amusement park are the point of the trip.
Fall (September through October)
A standout season. The Bloomsburg Fair anchors September, Knoebels runs into October, the foliage along the Susquehanna is excellent, and Ricketts Glen’s waterfalls are at their most scenic. The on-site pools wind down after Labor Day, so confirm which water amenities stay open if that matters for your trip.
Winter (November through March)
The quiet season. The water park is closed and Knoebels is between seasons, but the river and state parks are open for cold-weather hiking, and the winter monthly rate of $600/month runs through April for extended stays. Confirm which amenities stay open with the office before booking.
Spring (April through May)
Shoulder season. Knoebels opens for the year, the pools and water park begin opening, the river runs high, and the waterfalls at Ricketts Glen are at full flow. A good window for a quieter stay before peak crowds; confirm pool and water-park opening dates with the office if the water is part of your plan.
Practical Tips for Exploring Northumberland
The classic itinerary is a Knoebels day (20 minutes east, free admission) followed by an evening at the campground pool. Knoebels runs spring through October; check its operating calendar before you build your days around it.
On-site pool and water-park hours shift by season and are posted at check-in. Some water park access may require a wristband; confirm at check-in. If the water is your reason for visiting, check seasonal opening dates with the office first.
The Bloomsburg Fair (about 25 minutes) and the Little League World Series in Williamsport (about 45 minutes) are big fall and August draws. Confirm current-year dates on the official calendars before planning your stay around them.
Shikellamy State Park's bluff overlook, about 10 minutes across the river, is one of the best views in central PA and an easy add-on before a pool afternoon. The marina below it handles boating and paddling.
The Falls Trail (about an hour north) is a moderate-to-strenuous loop past 22 waterfalls with stone steps and creek crossings. Wear real shoes, pack water, and budget at least half a day.
Mateo's Pizza, right across the road from the campground, gives Splash Magic guests a 10% discount (excludes specials), handy after a long day out exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Knoebels?
Yes. Knoebels runs its own campground beside the amusement park in Elysburg, with water and electric sites and limited sewer, on roughly the same spring-through-October calendar as the rides. If you want full hookups, Splash Magic Campground in Northumberland is about 20 minutes west with sewer at every RV site.
Where can I camp near Knoebels with full hookups?
Splash Magic Campground by RJourney, at 213 Aspen Lane in Northumberland, is about 20 minutes from Knoebels with full-hookup pull-through and back-in sites, 30 and 50 amp service, and nightly rates from $37.80. The on-site water park, pools, and mini golf cover the days you skip the amusement park.
Is there camping near Danville, PA?
Danville sits a short drive east of Northumberland along the Susquehanna, so the two searches cover the same campgrounds. Splash Magic Campground in Northumberland handles RV, tent, and cabin stays within easy reach of Danville and Geisinger, and its winter long-term rate of $600 a month suits extended assignments in the area.
Are there tent campsites near Northumberland?
Yes. Splash Magic Campground has tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, and tent guests get the same run of the pools, water park, bathhouse, and activity calendar as everyone else. For a more wooded tent night, Ricketts Glen State Park, about an hour north, has non-electric sites near the Falls Trail.
How does Splash Magic compare to state park camping nearby?
Different trips. Ricketts Glen delivers wooded sites and 22 waterfalls about an hour north, with electric or non-electric hookups. Splash Magic delivers full hookups, an on-site water park, and a packed activity calendar 20 minutes from Knoebels. Sites sit closer together than in a state park, so ask for the outer loops if you want room.
When should I book a campsite near Knoebels?
Summer weekends and holiday weeks book fastest, so reserve 2 to 4 weeks ahead. Fall stays busy too: the Bloomsburg Fair anchors September about 25 minutes away, and Knoebels runs weekends into October. Winter is the quiet season, when Splash Magic’s long-term sites take over at $600 a month.
Base Your Northumberland Trip at Splash Magic
Splash Magic Campground by RJourney puts a big share of the activity list outside your door: an on-site water park, mini golf, bumper boats, and a packed pavilion calendar, with Knoebels, Shikellamy State Park, and the Susquehanna River all an easy drive away. Stay in a full-hookup RV site, a tent site, or a riverfront cabin, and let the campground handle the downtime.
See all site types, rates, and live availability on the Splash Magic Campground page.
Check Availability (412) 730-2170